Veteran Giggs Saved An Away Point

The old veteran, Ryan Gigs proved his old legs had still got some magic left to alter the entire game of United as they played a draw with Benfica at the stadium of light.

A desperate equalizer from Giggs at the end of first half play was adequate to gross United a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Benfica in their opening fixture of the Champions League. A 27th Champions League goal, at the age of 37 years and 289 days, brought another record for the oldest scorer to grace the competition, overtaking Raúl with a goal in 16 successive seasons at the highest level of European competition.

The night also favored Anders Lindegaard, the Danish goalkeeper whose promise has been largely overlooked due to David De Gea this season. Two outstanding late saves, contributed greatly to an important point against arguably United's closest rivals in Group C.

It was a problematic night for United as their midfield lost the ball possession every now and then due to Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher. Jorge Jesus' team disrupted the visitors' rhythm for much of the first half. The excellence of Giggs and several vital interceptions from Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans restricted Benfica to add another goal to the tally.

Sir Alex Ferguson went into the game with a gamble, making eight changes to the side that ripped through Bolton Wanderers on Saturday evening, with Wayne Rooney deployed as a lone striker up front and Anders Lindegaard making his first start of the season in place of David de Gea.

The first real effort for either team came Benfica’s way in the 20th minute, with Cardozo forcing Lindegaard to make a fairly routine stop, and four minutes later, United found them behind through a goal. Gaitán instigated the breakthrough with a delightful cross-field ball with the outside of his left foot. Cardozo provided a finish to compare, controlling with his chest, shaping to cut inside Evans with his left foot and then going on the outside before beating Lindegaard with a powerful finish with his right.

Just as Benfica were going so strong and well, Giggs illustrated why he did not go into retirement at the end of last season. Ryan Giggs with all the experiences and his magical foot had a stunning goal with five minutes to go until half-time, with a stunning drive from 20 yards out into the top corner of Artur’s net, after he was sent running by Antonio Valencia.

The Red Devil however showed some class in the second half of the game. Valencia and Giggs both had some good chances to lead United. Lindegaard then justified why he was in the team when he produced a fine stop with Cardozo moving to apply the finish from the edge of the area.

At the end of the play both teams with rock solid in defense, not letting either to go home with three points.

Benfica almost out-played United with great dominance in the first half. But when the final whistle blew the match was a draw. Benfica found themselves really unlucky to capture the opportunities to win over the last season Champion League's finalist.

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